In a thrilling Game 2 battle on Tuesday, the Indiana Pacers secured a 120-119 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers to take a 2-0 series lead. The Cavs were in front almost the entire game, but a long-range game-winner in the final seconds of the fourth quarter from Tyrese Haliburton clinched the win for Indiana.
With two huge wins on the road, the Pacers now have the chance to sweep the Cavs with two more wins, as the next two matchups will be in Indianapolis.
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Missing Evan Mobley, Darius Garland and De’Andre Hunter due to injury, the Cavs still had a great start and opened up a double-digit lead in the opening quarter. Donovan Mitchell took advantage of the extra opportunities and carried Cleveland’s offensive load.
The thin rotation appeared to haunt Cleveland as they appeared fatigued in the fourth quarter. Despite a 19-point Cleveland lead, Indiana’s fast-paced offense surged and wiped away the deficit.
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Tyrese Haliburton played most of the game while visibly in pain with a left wrist injury. The wrist was reportedly X-rayed and taped up during halftime, allowing Haliburton to play the rest of the game.
The injury took a backseat when it mattered though, as Haliburton sank the clutch game-winning three in the final seconds.
ICE IN HIS VEINS ????
TYRESE HALIBURTON CALLED GAME. pic.twitter.com/hnX4VknD9O
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) May 7, 2025
Haliburton’s points were low in volume but high in impact, finishing with 19 points and nine rebounds. Myles Turner was dominant on both ends of the floor and put up 23 points, eight rebounds and five blocks.
Mitchell left it all on the floor for Cleveland and had 48 points, nine rebounds and four steals.
Cleveland’s injury woes are now more reason for concern, as they no longer have home-court advantage and must win at least one of the next two games in order to avoid elimination.
With both of those matchups in Indiana, the Cavs will be fighting an uphill battle.
Game 3 is set for Friday.
James Parker is an NBA writer for Ball Exclusives, follow him on X @TheJames_Parker
